Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Dos and Don’ts for the Festival and How to Perform the Rituals Correctly

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The festivities span from Ganesh Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi, marking the worship of Lord Ganesh. This month, Bhadrapada, is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and observing his worship during this period is considered highly auspicious.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 Dates

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on Saturday, September 7, 2024. On this day, devotees will establish the idol of Ganesh and observe the fast. Ganesh Visarjan (the immersion of the Ganesh idol) will take place on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, during Anant Chaturdashi.

Shubh Muhurat for Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the auspicious time for Ganesh Chaturthi worship and idol installation on September 7, 2024, will be from 11:03 AM to 1:34 PM. This period of 2 hours and 31 minutes is considered ideal for performing the rituals and offering prayers to Ganapati Bappa.

Rituals and Recommendations for Ganesh Chaturthi

What to Do:

• Installation and Decoration: Set up a beautiful Ganesh idol at your home or prayer space, decorate it well, and perform the worship following proper rituals.
• Placement: Place the Ganesh idol in the Ishan (northeast) direction of your home, as it is considered the most auspicious location for his worship.
• Color Preferences: Lord Ganesh has a fondness for the color red. Use red clothing for the idol and dress the deity in red attire. Also, include red flowers, fruits, and red sandalwood in the worship.
• Offerings: During the worship, offer Durva grass, flowers, fruits, lamps, incense sticks, sandalwood, and the favorite sweets of Ganesh like laddus and modaks.
• Mantra Chanting: Recite Ganesh mantras such as "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah" for ten days as part of your worship.

What Not to Do:

• Avoid Incomplete or Broken Idols: Do not establish or worship a partially broken or incomplete Ganesh idol, as it is considered inauspicious.
• No Tulsi or Ketaki Flowers: Avoid using Tulsi leaves or Ketaki flowers in the worship, as their inclusion is believed to negate the benefits of the ritual.
• Maintain Purity: Ensure to keep a pure mind and body, adhering to Brahmacharya (celibacy) during the fast and worship.
• Avoid Tamasic Foods: Refrain from consuming tamasic (impure) foods during Ganesh Chaturthi.
• No Anger or Disputes: Avoid anger, disputes, or arguments with family members during the celebration.

Puja Methodology

To conduct the Ganesh Chaturthi puja, place a clean mat or seat in a peaceful area and set up the Ganesh idol or picture. Cleanse the idol with Ganga water. Decorate it with roli (vermilion), sandalwood, and flowers. Apply vermilion on the idol’s trunk and offer Durva grass. Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks, and offer modaks and fruits as prasad. Conclude the puja with Ganesh Aarti and the chanting of the mantra "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah," while making your wishes and seeking blessings from Ganesh Ji.